Can Negative Calorie Foods Help You Lose Weight? Quick info. The first thing many of us consider while losing or gaining weight is our calorie intake. Our bodies store energy in food or body tissues as calories. So, whether we’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body, it’s recommended that we focus on eating fewer calories.
Or we can use physical activity to burn more of our body’s stored calories. But there are “negative calorie foods” available that are becoming popular in weight loss diets. This means that when we consume negative calorie foods, our bodies actually lose calories without adding any.
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What are Negative Calorie Foods?
The three primary forms of calories that dole out energy to our body are carbs, proteins and fats from the food that provides our body with nutrients. So when you have to digest and process any food you eat, your body will expend energy. And the amount of energy your body requires depends on the type of food.
A Negative-calorie food is a food that supposedly requires calories to process, digest and eat rather than giving any calories to your body. You could theoretically lose weight by eating these foods because you cannot gain calorie content by burning calories while eating them. However, there is no scientific proof for the same.
Negative Calorie Foods for Weight Loss:
Here is the list of Negative calorie foods that might aid in weight loss:
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Berries:
These berries are not only delicious, but they’re also good for you! A half cup of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contains 32 kcal and is low in both the glycaemic index and protein. These make them one of the negative calorie foods, but they also help protect us from several cancers because they are filled with antioxidants.
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Celery:
Celery is a great source of vitamins A, C, and folate, as well as being a good source of fibre. It only contains 16 kcal per 100 grams, making it a popular choice for those looking for a low-calorie option. However, because celery is full of undigested fibre, your body actually receives very few calories from it.
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Carrots:
Carrot is a good source of vitamin A which is excellent for the eyes. It also helps in weight loss because carrots have 19 kcal in 100 grams, and they also keep you full for longer with their fibre content.
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Tomatoes:
Did you know that tomatoes are not only a low-calorie food but also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C? Not to mention, tomatoes contain lycopene antioxidants which protect us from skin cancer. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, grab some tomatoes!
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Cucumber:
Cucumber is a vegetable with high water content and essential minerals and vitamins. It also contains 15 kcal in 100 grams of cucumber. In addition, it has a good amount of dietary fibre that is good for diabetic patients and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Apple:
Did you know that apples are not only delicious but also good for your health? An apple a day really does keep the doctor away, as this fruit is filled with fibres, vitamin C and antioxidants. If you’re looking to lose weight, apples can help you out thanks to their high fibre content. And for every 100 grams of apple, there are only 52 calories. Apples can also help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes with an antioxidant called Quercetin. So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for an apple!
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Watermelon:
Watermelon is a fruit that’s not only high in water but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B6, C, and lycopene. Because of this, watermelon is great for boosting immunity. Even though it only has 30kcal per 100 grams, the rind of the fruit helps keep your heart healthy, hydrated and regulates blood pressure.
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Broccoli:
Broccoli is a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, which are necessary for healthy bone development. In addition, broccoli has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a flavonoid called Kaempferol.
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Lettuce:
Every 100 grams of lettuce has about 17 kcal. It helps boost your body’s immunity since it is a rich source of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. It also aids in weight loss with the help of fibre content.
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Zucchini:
Zucchini is a great choice for weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content. In addition, it is packed with all the necessary antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
